Treatments for Prostate Cancer

A treatment that involves placing small sources of radiation directly into the prostate (implants usually known as "seeds"). This technique makes it possible to treat the tumour locally and with high precision, reducing the exposure of the surrounding healthy tissue.

This treatment is used in the early stages of the disease and in selected cases, with good results in controlling the tumour and less impact on urinary and sexual function compared with other approaches.

There are new variants, recent advancements in this type of treatment, namely 4D brachytherapy and MRI-guided brachytherapy. These techniques make it possible to carry out this treatment with even greater precision. The placement of the radiation sources ("seeds") is pre-planned before treatment and controlled in real time while the procedure is being performed.

Pre-planning makes the technique faster and more effective to perform. Adjusting the dose distribution during treatment, in real time, makes it more effective, more precise in defining the area to be treated, and reduces the exposure of the surrounding healthy tissue.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive technique that allows the prostate to be removed through small incisions, using specialised instruments and magnified visualisation.

This approach makes it possible to treat the tumour effectively, with less surgical trauma and faster recovery compared with open surgery. It is a well-established technique, with consistent results in controlling the disease.

Robotic radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive technique, a variant of laparoscopic surgery, in which a robotic system is used to assist the surgeon in isolating, dissecting and removing the prostate with high precision.

Three-dimensional visualisation and instrument control allow for more precise dissection, preserving the structures involved in urinary continence and sexual function wherever possible.

External Radiotherapy is a treatment option for localised or locally advanced prostate cancer that uses radiation directed at the prostate to destroy the tumour cells.

This treatment requires specific equipment and conditions and is carried out in specialised units licensed for radiotherapy. The decision on whether it is indicated is taken case by case, according to the characteristics of the disease.

Cryotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses extremely low temperatures to destroy prostate tumour cells. The procedure is carried out under imaging guidance, making it possible to treat the tumour precisely.

It is an effective option in selected cases, including situations of recurrence after radiotherapy, with good results in controlling the disease and less impact on adjacent tissue. It is generally reserved for treating recurrences of the disease, that is, as a second-line treatment.

Prostate cancer recurrence after radiotherapy can occur in some cases and requires a detailed clinical assessment in order to determine the best approach.

There are effective treatment options, such as Brachytherapy, Cryotherapy and HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound), which make it possible to act locally once again, controlling the disease and preserving the surrounding tissue, in selected situations.

HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) is a focal treatment that destroys the prostate tumour with high precision, without the need for surgery or radiation.

The energy is applied only to the affected area, preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. It is indicated in selected cases, focusing on localised control of the disease and on preserving urinary and sexual function.